SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a small wireless electrical stimulus device to treat refractory gastroparesis and monitor the stimulus delivery during treatment that is lead free and minimally invasive.
BACKGROUND:
Refractory gastroparesis is a medical disorder that weakens the muscular contractions of the stomach and leads to retention of foods and liquids in the stomach for a prolonged period of time. Current treatments require dietary modifications, medications, and surgical approaches. Unfortunately, it is challenging for patients to follow a strict diet and medications can have serious side effects. Surgical procedures for gastroparesis require a feeding tube which is very uncomfortable. In recent years, the use of electrical stimulation (ES) has been investigated as a therapeutic remedy for refractory gastroparesis. However, current ES devices are lead-based and their implementation may lead to unwanted surgical complications. Further studies are needed to understand the physiological mechanism by electrical stimulation. Therefore, there is a need for a small ES device that can facilitate surgical procedures and monitor the treatment without life-threatening complications caused by the lead-based surgical devices.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed a leadless electrical stimulus device for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis. The device is designed as a minimally invasive miniature wireless gastric pacemaker to reduce lead-based complications. The architecture of the device allows for long-range wireless power transfer and a vascular fixation mechanism to reduce surgical complications and infections. Furthermore, the device has a multi-electrode electrogastogram (EGG) that monitors electrical stimulus and motor activity for adequate gastric pacing. This device provides a non-invasive and lead-free alternative for gastroparesis treatment and monitoring that de-risks surgical procedures and ultimately improves patient outcome.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Refractory gastroparesis treatment
- Treatment monitoring
- Diagnostics of gastroparesis
- Physiological motor activity
- Obesity treatment
ADVANTAGES:
- Lead free
- Wireless
- Small size
- Minimally invasive
- Low variability
- Monitor and analyze stimulus delivery
DEVELOPMENT TO DATE:
First successful demonstration by in vivo gastric pacing on swine gut.
RELATED PAPERS:
Perley A, Roustaei M, Aguilar-Rivera M, Kunkel DC, Hsiai TK, Coleman TP, Abiri P. Miniaturized wireless gastric pacing via inductive power transfer with non-invasive monitoring using cutaneous Electrogastrography. Bioelectron Med. 2021 Aug 24;7(1):12. doi: 10.1186/s42234-021-00074-8. PMID: 34425917; PMCID: PMC8383397.